Walmart vs. Prime Day: October Deals Event Open to All Shoppers

A Walmart Plus van outside a Walmart store.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Amazon Prime Day started as an annual deals event every July, but now, they have added another one, called Amazon Big Deal Days, on October 7-8.

Many retailers have decided to run their own sales to coincide with Amazon's. Chief among them is Walmart Deals, a sales event from October 7-12.

Similar to Amazon's sales, Walmart's offers discounts on electronics, home furnishings, toys and many other items. Unlike Amazon, you don't need a separate membership to shop Walmart's sale.

From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance

Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just ~~$107.88~~ $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues

CLICK FOR FREE ISSUE

https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/y99mlvgqmn1763972420.png

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters

Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.

Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.

That said, a Walmart+ membership unlocks a lot of value. You receive early access to sales events, free shipping on thousands of items, discounts on fuel and a free streaming subscription to either Peacock or Paramount+.

If you're a new subscriber, you can try it free for 30 days.

Save big during Walmart Deals

Here's a look at some of the best deals available during the event:

VIZIO 50" Class Quantum 4K QLED HDR Smart TV - Now $198.99, save $100
Michael Kors Women's Jet Set Large East West Crossbody Handbag - Now $57, save $262
GOOLOO Car Jump Starter - Now $35.49, save $94.50
Astercook Kitchen Knife Set, 14 Pcs Knives Block Set with Built-in Sharpener - Now $32.99, save $167
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch - Now $189, save $60
HP 15.6-inch Windows Touch Laptop - Now $279, save $180
Astercook 20 Piece Pots and Pans Set Non Stick, Cookware Set - Now $54.99, save $144.99
Cate & Chloe Bianca 18k White Gold Plated 25mm Hoop Earrings with Swarovski Crystals for Women - Now $15.99, save $99.01
Travelhouse 6 Piece Hardshell Luggage Set Hardside Lightweight Suitcase with TSA Lock Spinner Wheels - Now $119.99, save $480
EF EcoFlow Portable Power Station DELTA 2 Lite 950Wh LiFePO4 (LFP) Battery Solar Generator - Now $346, save $553

How Walmart is challenging Amazon’s Prime Day dominance

When compairing the two sales events, here's how they differ:

Open-access vs paywall
Prime Day remains locked behind a $14.99-per-month (or $139-per-year) Prime subscription. Walmart Deals, by contrast, welcomes all shoppers from the get-go, with membership perks layered on top rather than gating access entirely.

Extended duration and multi-channel reach
A six-day window gives Walmart more runway for promotions and inventory management, while in-store availability offers flexibility for customers who prefer curbside pickup or last-minute runs.

Enhanced shopping experience
Leveraging an AI-powered app upgrade and streamlined site experience, Walmart aims to help shoppers navigate thousands of deals more efficiently.

Smart ways to shop both Walmart Deals and Prime Day

If you’re a Prime member and also shop at Walmart, there’s no harm in checking out both sales events. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

Compare and contrast: Track key items on both platforms using price-tracking sites such as CamelCamelCamel and Keepa, or browser extensions such as Honey, to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Trial memberships: If you’re on the fence about Prime or Walmart+, a free 30-day Prime trial or a short-term Walmart+ signup could unlock deeper discounts or early access.
Plan for pickup vs delivery: Consider in-store pickup for bulky items to avoid shipping delays, and check local store opening times for in-person-only flash deals.

By directly overlapping Prime Day, Walmart signals its willingness to invest in the fall sales promotions and challenge Amazon’s dominance.

For shoppers, the competition means expanded windows for discounts, more places to compare and potentially better bargains, which is a clear win in the ongoing battle for your wallet's attention.

Choncé is a personal finance freelance writer who enjoys writing about eCommerce, savings, banking, credit cards, and insurance. Having a background in journalism, she decided to dive deep into the world of content writing in 2013 after noticing many publications transitioning to digital formats. She has more than 10 years of experience writing content and graduated from Northern Illinois University.